2015's top-performing assets around the world

Argentina's benchmark Merval appreciated by just under 40 percent in 2015, making it the top performer of the major indexes across North and Latin America.

Investors are hopeful of a turnaround in Argentina, which ditched its long-term socialist government for pro-business candidate, Mauricio Macri, in November. As promised, the new leadership removed foreign exchange controls this month and has pledged to settle the lengthy debt dispute with holdout creditors. This would likely allow Argentina to tap the capital markets once more for much-needed funds.